As a student in Prince George, it is crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Below are some common issues reported by students, along with guidance on how to address them and uphold your rights.
Student Housing Resources
Off CNC Prince George Campus Grounds
CNC has collaborated with local rental agencies to address barriers to housing access in Prince George. The agencies listed below offer exclusive discounts and special offers for CNC students. They have also committed to accepting a variety of alternative references and credit checks to make it easier for all students to secure housing.
Disclaimer: The housing resources provided on this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional housing advice, legal advice, recommendations, or services. We do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the third-party information provided.
Please consult with a qualified housing professional or agency before making any decisions based on the information provided here. We do not endorse or assume liability for any third-party content linked to or referred to on this website.
Prince George Housing Rental Market
The average cost of renting a licensed one-bedroom apartment in Prince George is $1,050, with prices varying between $1,125 and $1,530. It's important to consider these figures when planning your housing budget and verifying the legitimacy of your prospective unit. When securing a new rental, be prepared to pay the first month's rent along with a security deposit, which cannot exceed half a month's rent. These details are crucial to keep in mind during your rental search.
Licensed Rental Property Management
Renting from a licensed property manager ensures:
- Adherence to legal and regulatory standards
- Oversight by the BC Financial Services Authority
- Better maintenance and clearer rental agreements
- Reliable dispute resolution
Licensed managers operate through real estate brokerages and are overseen by a managing broker, providing you with added protection and assurance.
Impact of Overcrowded Units
Choosing suitable housing is crucial for your overall success and well-being.
- Health & Safety: Poor living conditions can harm your physical health.
- Academic Performance: Stress and distraction from unsuitable housing can affect your studies.
- Mental Well-being: Feelings of isolation and anxiety can increase in cramped spaces.
Overcrowded housing is a significant issue for students, reflecting a shortage of affordable accommodation. Cramped and often illegal units lack safety measures, violating health standards and negatively impacting your well-being.
CNC Discounts and Deals
Royal Lepage
- Landlord Reference: Welcomes references from your home country and offers translation services if required. Additionally, Royal Lepage will accept letters from the Manager of Student Life and Housing for those who have previously resided in CNC Housing
- Credit Check: You can provide a bank statement or proof of a student loan as an alternative to a credit check
- Student Discounts:
Adalyn Apartments Discount: Get a special discount at Adalyn Apartments, perfectly positioned on a bus route and near campus and various amenities
Veda
Student Discounts:
- CNC Discount Rate: Special discount for CNC students.
Monthly Rent: $1,095 - $1,175 per month.
CNC Student Application
Kelson Group
- Landlord Reference: Accepts references from the CNC Student Life and Housing Manager for individuals who have previously resided in CNC Campus Housing.
- Credit Check: Will accept bank statements or proof of student loan instead of requiring a credit check.
- Student Discounts:
TELUS Deal: Get 40% off TV and Internet for as long as you are in a Kelson Group Building.
Referral Program: Receive a $200 cheque for each successful tenant referral (can refer multiple people).
Foothills Crossing: Access to an on-site gym
Kidd Group
- Landlord Reference: Accepts references from the Student Life and Housing Manager for former student housing residents.
- Credit Check: Will accept bank statements or proof of student loan instead of requiring a credit check.
- Student Discounts: Second Month Rent Discount: Available if signing up for a 6–12-month lease.
Rent In PG
We understand the unique challenges CNC students, especially international students, may face when securing housing. We aim to be flexible and supportive by providing furnished units, thereby minimizing the need for students to purchase additional items.
- We offer individual room rentals within fully furnished suites. Common areas in these suites include a kitchen, a bathroom, a laundry, and a living room. All bedrooms have coded locks for privacy and security.
- We provide monthly cleanings of the common areas. These room rentals include utilities, wifi, lawn maintenance, and snow removal.
- We require a 50% refundable damage deposit, and there is a cleaning fee of $90 charged at the end of the tenancy. Room rates range from $725-$925/month depending on location. We have 8 individual room rentals.
- We have four 2-bedroom fully furnished suites. Wifi, lawn care, and snow removal are included. Tenant pays 50% of the utilities (approx. $100/month).
- We require a 50% refundable damage deposit, and there is a cleaning fee of $120 charged at the end of the tenancy. Suite rental rates range from $1500-$2350 depending on location.
- We require residential tenancy contracts with all of our tenants. Rent is on a month-to-month basis and requires 30 days' notice to end the tenancy.
Renters' Insurance: Protect Your Belongings and Liability
While your landlord’s insurance covers the building, it does not protect your personal belongings inside. Renters' insurance helps safeguard you from unexpected events like break-ins, fire, water damage, or liability if someone is injured in your space. Having coverage ensures you are financially protected and gives you peace of mind.
Renters’ Insurance Providers
The following resources can help you obtain renters' insurance:
Rental Safety Checklist for Students
When searching for rental accommodation, especially aimed at international students, it's crucial to ensure your safety and well-being. Here are key considerations to help determine if a potential rental is safe:
Rental Scams and How to Protect Yourself
Rental scams can occur in various forms, such as the false owner scenario where renters unwittingly pay deposits to someone posing as the landlord, only to find out later that the property was rented to multiple tenants or managed improperly. Another common scam involves demanding deposits without allowing renters to view the property in person, often resulting in loss of money and personal information.
To avoid falling victim to rental scams:
- Verify the authenticity of rental listings by visiting the property in person and conducting thorough online research.
- Ensure the landlord's identity and ownership of the property are confirmed through official documentation and identification.
- Insist on a formal tenancy agreement that clearly outlines rental terms, including payment methods and landlord details.
- Avoid paying deposits or providing personal information before confirming the legitimacy of the rental and meeting the landlord face-to-face.
- Be cautious of unusually low rental prices, requests for payment outside the country, and landlords who evade standard rental procedures like credit checks or formal lease agreements.
By taking these precautionary measures, renters can protect themselves from fraudulent rental schemes and ensure a secure housing arrangement.
See Also
Understanding Your Rights
As a tenant, you have the right to:
- Safe and Healthy Living Conditions: Your landlord must ensure that your rental unit is free from health hazards and safe to live in.
- Respectful Treatment: You have the right to be treated with respect and to live without harassment or undue surveillance.
- Accurate Information: You should be provided with accurate information about the condition of the rental unit, including whether it is furnished and free from pests.
Taking Action
Document the Issue
- Keep records of your communications with your landlord and any evidence of issues.
Report the Problem
- Contact the Residential Tenancy Branch, the Prince George Community Legal Clinic, or other relevant local authorities.
Seek Support
- Reach out to CNC’s student support services for guidance and assistance.
Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB)
The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) in British Columbia provides information and resources for landlords and tenants to understand and resolve issues related to residential tenancy agreements. Their services include:
- Dispute Resolution: RTB offers a formal dispute resolution process for resolving conflicts between landlords and tenants, including issues like rent disputes, repairs, and evictions.
- Guides and Resources: They provide a variety of informational guides, forms, and tools to help tenants and landlords understand their rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancy Act.
- Information Services: RTB offers support through phone and online resources for questions about tenancy laws, rights, and responsibilities.
- Legislation: The RTB enforces the Residential Tenancy Act, which governs the relationship between landlords and tenants in British Columbia, ensuring that tenancy laws are followed.
Tenant’s Rights and Responsibilities
Common Issues and Concerns
Issue: Some international students have reported being subjected to illegal evictions by unlicensed landlords.
What You Should Know:
Legal Protection: In Prince George, tenants have legal protections against unlawful evictions. Landlords must follow proper legal procedures to terminate a lease.
What to Do: If you face an eviction, ensure it is executed following legal procedures. Contact Tenancy BC or the Prince George Community Legal Clinic for assistance.
Issue: Unlicensed property managers may create unsafe living conditions, including over-surveillance, verbal abuse, and other forms of harassment.
What You Should Know:
Legal Protection: You have the right to live in a safe and respectful environment. Property managers must be licensed to operate and are bound by legal standards.
What to Do: If you feel unsafe or experience harassment, report the situation to the Residential Tenancy Branch, the Prince George Community Legal Clinic, and seek help from student support services.
Issue: Some local landlords are placing discarded furniture from other buildings, which may be infested with pests like bed bugs and cockroaches, into rental units advertised as furnished.
What You Should Know:
Legal Protection: Landlords must provide pest-free living conditions and must address infestations promptly.
What to Do: If you discover bed bugs or cockroaches, report the issue to your landlord immediately and request remediation. If the issue is not addressed, contact the Residential Tenancy Branch or the Prince George Community Legal Clinic for further support.
Issue: Unlicensed landlords may have exhibited poor behaviour, which can negatively impact your experience with new, legitimate landlords.
What You Should Know:
Legal Protection: Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant are upheld regardless of past landlord experiences.
What to Do: Focus on maintaining a good relationship with your new landlord by being a responsible tenant. Report any issues with the property or landlord to the appropriate authorities, such as the Residential Tenancy Branch or the Prince George Community Legal Clinic.
Issue: There are reports of landlords allowing more tenants than legally permitted, leading to overcrowding.
What You Should Know:
Legal Protection: There are regulations regarding the number of occupants based on the size and conditions of rental units.
What to Do: If you are asked to live with more people than the lease permits, or if you notice overcrowding issues, address these concerns with your landlord and seek advice from the Residential Tenancy Branch or the Prince George Community Legal Clinic.
Issue: Some students are unaware that they should report issues like cockroach infestations to their landlords.
What You Should Know:
Legal Responsibility: Tenants have a responsibility to report hygiene and maintenance issues to their landlord.
What to Do: Learn about your rights and responsibilities regarding maintenance and hygiene. Report issues like pests to your landlord and follow up if they are not addressed. For additional guidance, you can reach out to the Residential Tenancy Branch or the Prince George Community Legal Clinic.
Security Deposits
A security deposit, also referred to as a damage deposit, is money collected by the landlord at the beginning of the tenancy to cover any unpaid rent or damages to the rental unit.
The security deposit cannot exceed half of the first month's rent amount agreed upon at the start of the tenancy. For example, if the monthly rent is $1,500, the maximum-security deposit the landlord can charge is $750.
No, the deposit amount is fixed based on the initial rent agreed upon at the start of the tenancy. Even if the rent changes later, the security deposit remains the same.
A tenancy is considered to start once the tenant pays the security deposit. Once paid, the landlord cannot rent the unit to another tenant.
If a tenant pays the security deposit but does not move in, the landlord can seek dispute resolution to potentially use the deposit for unpaid rent or damages incurred due to the tenant's decision not to occupy the rental unit.
The security deposit safeguards landlords against unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear caused by the tenant. If the landlord believes there are damages requiring repair or cleaning, they can apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) to retain all or part of the security deposit.
Disputes over security deposits can be resolved through the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB), which facilitates dispute resolution between landlords and tenants to reach a fair outcome.
Understanding these key points about security deposits can help both landlords and tenants navigate their rights and responsibilities under tenancy agreements effectively.